STANTON, Michael (Mike) Stuart

With loving memory and great sadness, our family announces the passing of our dear Michael at the age of 96 years on Monday, June 23, 2014 at the Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary. Michael passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

Michael Stuart Stanton was born in Leamington, Warwickshire, England on October 1, 1917, and immigrated to Canada in 1919 with his parents. He attended the University of Manitoba receiving a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours) in Geology in 1939 and Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, receiving a Master’s degree in Geological Engineering in 1941. He served as a navigator with the RCAF during the Second World War from 1943 to 1945, and married his life-long companion, and best friend, Ellie, in 1945. Mike and Ellie were married for over 62 years until Ellie passed away in 2007. Mike has been greeted by his dear Ellie and his loving parents Elizabeth and Peter.

In his early career, Mike worked as a geologist, pioneering field work, mapping and mining geology in Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and the Arctic. During these years Mike worked with the Geological Survey of Canada, the Manitoba Mine’s Branch and the Hudson’s Bay Mining and Smelting Company (Flin Flon, Manitoba). Mike continued his career as a petroleum geologist with Chevron Standard (California Standard) in Calgary for over 33 years, from 1949 until he retired in 1982 at the age of 65 years. Mike was an accomplished and respected Geologist. He is credited with many professional papers, scientific articles, reports, publications and discoveries. His very active and inquiring mind did not dim with age. He was writing scientific articles well into his mid 80’s, several of which were picked up for publication in both Canada and the United States. Mike was a proud and lifetime member of APEGA, the CSPG and the AAPG.

Mike enjoyed engaging in political and controversial discussions. These discussions, and at times debates, were interesting, motivating and sometimes frustrating, as Mike seemed to have pertinent facts readily available at his fingertips to support his arguments. As a hobby, before his eyesight started to deteriorate, he wrote many politically motivated articles and letters to the editor, published in the Calgary Herald, which were always interesting, informative and thought-provoking.

Mike liked to travel and explore new places around the world, in search of knowledge, history, archeology and the local lifestyle. He travelled extensively, throughout 46 diverse countries around the world, and his experiences in these countries were far-reaching and well researched.

Mike and Ellie enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hike throughout the mountains and alpine meadows of Alberta and B.C., searching for all species of wildflowers. For over 40 years they would search for and find a wide range of wildflowers, both rare and common, then meticulously photograph, identify and document them. Their personal collection of wildflower photographs is extensive and professional, and would rival any published book on the subject.

Mike’s family remembers with fondness the many happy memories of enjoyable gatherings shared over the years – all hosted with an abundance of love, caring and affection. Mike enjoyed curling, and golfing with his family and friends. Mike was an avid photographer and he took great pleasure in learning about and studying all subjects. Mike continuously added to his vast wealth of knowledge, which he graciously shared with everyone throughout his long and colourful life.

Mike, at heart, was a scientist. He is defined by his strength of character, his integrity, his sense of humour, and his conviction and commitment to his family, his career, and his research. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, and will be cherished, affectionately remembered, and missed dearly by those that knew him.

“When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground”
(African proverb)

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff at the Colonel Belcher Care Facility and the Foothills Medical Centre. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mike’s memory can be made directly to Rockyview Wildlife Recovery (Box 68, Madden, AB T0M 1L0) 403-946-2361.

Condolence Messages

I never knew Michael like so many people did. I heard so so much. But I was able to spend several days with “Gramps” in April 2013 along with Kelty, Xavier and Pat. I was so impressed with how smart and engaging Gramps was, even at the age of 95. My favourite memory was going through his travel albums, letting him know what I was looking at, and getting his impressions on his different travels. Also, I loved watching Xavier push his great grandpa in his wheelchair, with Kelty and Pat at his sides, me taking photos of the beautiful scene. Kelty loved her grandfather so much and already misses him dearly. She never thought twice about joining her mum in traveling to Calgary to be there for the visitation, funeral, and be with family. You’re always in our thoughts Gramps. Rest in peace.

I would like to express my sincere condolences to Mike’s family. I worked with Mike for many years at Chevron from 1953. Mike was always a most amiable co-worker and willing to share in any project one might have to discuss. He was a great geologist. He was great for getting into discussions and, shall I say, arguments which would often extend the morning coffee break into a half an hour or more, and then be continued the following day. I remember his father came from Mayo so I felt I had a certain association. It is sad to think that he joins so many contempories who have passed away these last couple of years.

My heart felt sympathy goes out to Mike’s family. I have so many great memories of all the years of great food and fascinating conversations shared with Mike and my dad, Roy Stuart, whenever I was in Calgary. Like my dad, he was a true gentleman and a scholar and loved by all who knew him. May he rest in love and peace.

I will miss you Canadian Grandpa. I remember coming to your house with Carly, Mike, Carrie & Mark to spend a few afternoons with you & we’d always have wonderful conversations. Most the time they were about languages, politics, religion, geography & your past travels. Your knowledge, sense of humor & insight were captivating, often to the point of Carly having to come whisk me away reminding me that I need to spend time with everyone else too!

I also remember you quite vividly telling us about your travles to Egypt, some of the Arabic that you’ve learned & still remembered (your pronounciation was remarkably good!). Then we’d watch golf as well, you loved golf. I do not recall if I ever told you this, but I was also super jealous of your military & aviation career, I always wanted to be a pilot as a child, but even better now, I am honored to know the best pilot in the world.

I will miss you very very much Grandpa as I know many of your friends & relatives will. I am blessed to have known you & I will always remember your smile.. rest in peace friend & I will see you some day soon.

Michael, your presence with family and friends remains forever as your contribution was so vast. As you continue your journey as you join your beloved Ellie you leave with family and friends and wealth of experience and incredible knowledge and direction.
Your strenght of character along with Ellie’s remained with us as we celebrated your lives and your presence was unquestionable among us as was felt by everyone at your gathering.
So we know you are never far away and what you have left for us is valuable beyond words.
Your energy stays with us to continue giving your family and many friends strenght and of courage throughout our days. You have not left us with a void but with the amazing presence of courage and strenght to continue here with memories of your presence and the invaluable role you and Ellie played in our lives.. Our heartfelt thanks, big and tall as the Rocky Mountains to you dear Michael and Ellie, beloved ones. Leigh Ryan

On behalf of the family of Gordon and Ethel Crombie I send our sincere condolences at the passing of your Father and our friend. He was one of my Father’s closest friends, their having gone to university together and working in the oil business here in Calgary. I remember many evening phone calls with my Dad as they discussed the news of the day, and evening bridge games with my parents and your Father and Mother. After my Father’s passing your parents took Mom on some of their wildflower adventures, and he was present at Mom’s 90th birthday celebration and gracious enough to give a tribute. He showed genuine interest in people and we remember him fondly. He was a true gentleman.

In loving memory of Mr. Michael Stanton. May his memory be for a blessing.

To his son Michael and all the family,

Our Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your dear father and grandfather. Bruce has warm memories of long ago with both Mr. Michael Sr. and Michael Jr. May our caring and warm words help you through this difficult time.

I am so sorry to be hearing about Mike’s passing at this time. He was such a wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather. I respected Mike so much, and never forgot how caring he was. My mom and I loved both Mike and Ellie, and she spoke so fondly of them all of her life. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Ellen